Hamlin is expected to remain in intensive care and be continuously “monitored and treated” by the healthcare team. Hamlin’s marketing rep Jordon Rooney previously told the Associated Press by phone that the situation was “moving in a positive direction.” “We all remain optimistic,” Rooney added. At the request of the family, he was unable to say more. “I know he’s fighting. We’ll keep praying,” Hamlin’s uncle Dorrian Glenn told ESPN.
An audience of millions watched Monday night as the Bills defenseman collapsed after a common tackle in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Paramedics and medics rushed onto the pitch and revived him for a few minutes before he was taken to hospital. He was revived a second time along the way, Hamlin’s aide Ron Butler told ESPN.
Glenn gave more details about his nephew’s health to CNN. “To know that my nephew died in the field and they resurrected him is heartbreaking.” The 24-year-old remains sedated. According to doctors, he may recover better under these conditions, Glenn said. And there’s reason to hope: Hamlin now needs less oxygen. But there is concern about possible lung damage. That’s why he’s still being artificially ventilated. “They’re trying to get the lungs back to their previous strength.”
The drama surrounding Hamlin has caused a wave of sympathy and support. Vigils were held in Cincinnati and in front of Bills Stadium. “We pray for Damar and his family. Moments like this put into perspective what it’s like to play the game we love,” said soccer superstar Tom Brady on Twitter. The 45-year-old quarterback and most successful player in NFL history has requested that the money be donated to Hamlin’s charitable foundation. And fans donated every minute. More than six million dollars had already been raised on the GoFundMe platform by Wednesday afternoon.
“Thank you again for your thoughts, prayers, and generous support,” Hamlin’s family wrote of the fundraiser. As a show of solidarity, some NFL teams changed their social media profile photo to include Hamlin’s number 3 jersey with the words “Pray for Hamlin” written on it.
The game between Buffalo and Cincinnati was stopped when the Bengals were 7-3. It is not yet clear when play will resume. This week, however, that won’t be the case, as announced by the NFL. The final game day of the North American Football League’s main round is scheduled for next weekend. Both Buffalo and Cincinnati are already qualified for the playoffs, but still have room to improve their starting positions.
